Last Monday's Candidate Forum explored the response of candidates in our Western New York primary races to the new information about local budget savings if the New York Health Act is passed. The seven candidates who attended showed strong support for the bill, all agreeing how important it will be to do what it takes to pass the bill, at long last, in 2027, when the need to place people above profits and ideology becomes especially urgent. In a year when Federal Medicaid cuts are closing medical practices, departments and hospitals across the state and people are losing healthcare access due to the expiration of the New York Essential Plan, passing a single payer plan no longer seems "radical." Especially when it saves our counties, towns and school districts 80%-95% off their current annual healthcare costs. 

All candidates present at the zoom forum agreed that passing the bill is more necessary than ever, and that it is up to legislators to be louder in support of the bill, both with constituents who may have to overcome insurance-funded myths and rumors, and with their colleagues and leadership to push the bill through committees and to a floor vote. Click here for a recording of the forum, where you can hear for yourself the ideas various candidates put forward.

Here is a list of the candidates who took the trouble to participate in the forum! 

• Senate District 54 (Pam Helming, incumbent) – Scott Comegys attended and spoke; he has supported the New York Health Campaign for years; Michael Mills was unable to attend but sent a video praising the bill
• Senate District 61 (Jeremy Zellner, incumbent) – Jonathan Rivera attended; he has cosponsored the bill as an Assemblymember
• Assembly District 130 (Brian Manktelow, incumbent) – Carl Fitzsimmons attended and spoke with enthusiasm; he is also an active and long-term supporter of single payer healthcare
• Assembly District 137 (Demond Meeks, incumbent) – Mecedes Vasquez-Simmons attended and promised to be an energetic supporter if elected
• Assembly District 149 (Jonathan Rivera, outgoing incumbent) – Adam Bojak attended and spoke positively of the bill, and brought his campaign manager as well; Kevin Deese was unable to attend, but sent an enthusiastic video

As always, you must do your own research regarding other issues before you vote, but we see right here who took the time and effort to participate for healthcare.

If you can, attend our followup zoom planning meeting tonight, 7-8 pm! Click to get the zoom link.